President Emmerson Mnangagwa handed Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka $500 in cash, urging him to buy a suit. The exchange occurred during a public event over the weekend with President Mnangagwa presenting the money from a stack of $100 bills. This gesture stood out as Masuka is typically seen in his agriculture-themed attire.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some viewed the gesture as a lighthearted and personal moment between the president and his minister. It highlights Mnangagwa’s approach to connecting with his team and showing appreciation in a tangible way. The president has previously made similar gestures, notably giving $800 to an elderly man in Masvingo who had entertained a crowd by dancing.
Critics, however, have been quick to question the president’s choice of currency. They argue that Mnangagwa’s use of US dollars for these gifts undermines the local currency, the Zimbabwean dollar (ZIG), which the government has been striving to stabilize and promote. The optics of the president favoring foreign currency over the national currency have raised concerns about the message it sends regarding confidence in the ZIG.
Economists and political analysts have weighed in on the matter, suggesting that while the gestures are likely meant to be seen as generous and relatable, they also highlight ongoing issues with Zimbabwe’s economy. The reliance on US dollars, despite efforts to strengthen the local currency, reflects the broader economic challenges the country faces, including inflation and lack of trust in the ZIG.
